The Victorian Government has approved planning for hundreds of new social, affordable and market homes in Melbourne, as part of efforts to ease the housing crisis.
Victorian Minister for Housing, Harriet Shing, announced that the government has fast-tracked the approval of 522 new homes at Simmons Street in South Yarra.
These are the first new homes to get underway as part of the Ground Lease Model 2 and will be delivered across multiple apartment buildings.
The new one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom homes will be modern and energy efficient – meaning residents will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, while also saving on power bills.
The redevelopment will deliver a 34 per cent increase in social housing on the site and will also feature communal gardens, recreational rooms, playgrounds, cafes, and gym facilities. There will also be 18 Specialist Disability Accommodation dwellings for people with high physical support needs.
Minister Shing said that as Victoria’s population grows, the State Government is fast-tracking the delivery of thousands of new homes in communities across Victoria as part of its multi-billion dollar housing investment.
“These are modern, accessible, and energy-efficient homes that residents can be proud to call their own,” Minister Shing said.
Federal Minister for Housing, Julie Collins, these new homes are a great example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together.
“We want to ensure more Australians have a safe and affordable place to call home with more help for homebuyers, more help for renters and more help for those needing a safe place for the night,” Minister Collins said.
Member for Higgins, Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah, said that the State and Federal Governments are in lockstep in making modern, bright, affordable homes a reality for Victorians and residents in Higgins.
“Fast tracking this project is welcome news for our local community, delivering not only more housing, but also better quality housing for those who need it.”
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